Description
Garlic butter noodles deliver pure comfort with Italian-inspired simplicity. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevate this classic dish for you to savor quickly and deliciously.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or your choice of pasta
Sauce Base Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta in generously salted water at high heat for 8-9 minutes until perfectly tender, maintaining al dente texture. Carefully reserve 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low temperature, melting butter slowly until it becomes golden and slightly foamy.
- Add finely minced garlic to the melted butter, gently sautéing for approximately 60-90 seconds until aromatic and translucent, avoiding burning.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the butter-garlic mixture, stirring to distribute heat and flavor evenly throughout the pan.
- Transfer drained pasta directly into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each strand becomes luxuriously coated with the fragrant garlic butter sauce.
- Gradually introduce reserved pasta water, stirring continuously to create a silky, smooth coating that clings perfectly to the noodles.
- Season the dish with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Remove skillet from heat and fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, allowing residual warmth to melt cheese slightly.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan and parsley for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation.
Notes
- Choose pasta with ridges or curves to help sauce cling better, maximizing flavor absorption.
- Ensure garlic is finely minced to distribute evenly and prevent burning, creating a smooth, aromatic base.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice tolerance, adding gradually for controlled heat level.
- Consider adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 625 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg